(WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y.) - Rembrandt Charms employees showed support for U.S. military veterans by volunteering at the 27th annual National Veterans Golden Age Games held in Buffalo, NY from May 30 to June 4. Patrick W. Welch, PhD, Sgt. USMC (ret), President & Chief Operating Officer of Rembrandt Charms, served as local Honorary Chairman for the Games and also participated in the sled hockey event.

“I am proud to be a veteran and to say I work at Rembrandt Charms,” stated Patrick. “I am fortunate to be a part of a company that supports our veterans as well as many other great causes. Our team at Rembrandt is always willing to take time out of their busy lives to lend a helping hand to those in need.”

In 2011, after finally receiving authorization for the Games to be held in Buffalo, organizers and volunteers began the planning. Early in March of 2013 final approval was given by the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, but just ten short weeks before the games were to take place, they were abruptly cancelled due to budget cutbacks. After intense lobbying from Sen. Charles E. Schumer, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Rep. Brian Higgins, and Rep. Chris Collins, the Games were reinstated.

“We are elated that the VA reconsidered its decision and reinstated the Games,” stated Patrick. “Over 700 athletes and their families have been training and looking forward to this competition, not to mention all of the hours devoted to bringing the Games to Buffalo by our organizers and volunteers.”

The first Golden Age Games were held in 1985 in Albany, GA. Many of the events began as recreational activities being held in VA hospitals and nursing facilities across the country. In an effort by the VA to promote better health and fitness among aging Veterans, the Games were born. Over the years, many events have been added and adapted in order to meet the needs of all participants.

This year, the Games hosted athletes from 43 states, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Veterans age 55 or older who receive healthcare at any VA medical facility were eligible to compete in the Games which served as a qualifier for the National Senior Games. Events included swimming, cycling, golf, horseshoes, bowling, shot-put, discus, croquet, dominoes, air rifle, checkers and table tennis, along with sled hockey as the exhibition sport.

For over 40 years, Rembrandt Charms continues the tradition as a family-owned business.Rembrandt Charms offers the world’s largest collection of handcrafted charms in gold and silver. Retail jewelers rely on Rembrandt Charms’ industry renowned superior quality, lifetime guarantee and unsurpassed customer service.